A significant story that will resonate with all who love animals.
In the heart of the Serengeti region of Africa, a lone family of black rhinos is raising their calf, Amare. One frightful morning, Amare wakes to find his family missing. With the help of a proactive oxpecker bird, Amare is able to join a herd of elephants who care for him like he is their own. Playing with the young elephants, however, leads Amare to realize just how different he truly is from these majestic animals. When a wise colobus monkey is consulted, he offers some sage but potentially risky advice. Will Amare’s elephant family listen to the primate’s suggestion? And if so, will Amare ever learn what happened to his family?
A Home for Amare is not just an enjoyable children’s book, but it is an important lesson for everyone, for we are all stewards of the planet’s endangered species. When Amare’s family goes missing, children are exposed to the jarring feelings of loss that can occur from poaching. And after he is adopted by a loving elephant family, young kids get a glimpse of the difficult emotions that may come from being a part of a foster family. However, don’t mistakenly assume that this book is a sad one. The overall narrative in this nature-embracing story is one of triumph and hope. With the help of some human rangers, not only does Amare’s story have a happy ending but readers are educated about the efforts that conservationists are implementing to protect endangered animals.
With any picture book, the illustrations play an important role in telling the story, and A Home for Amare is no exception. You’ve likely never seen a cuter baby rhino than little Amare! Among the variety of other exotic animals can be found a charming chameleon that can be spotted following Amare’s drama throughout the story right along with you. Rupamanjari’s tale of a young rhino in the Serengeti is a significant story that will resonate with all who love animals. Parents, teachers and librarians that want to share an important lesson about wildlife conservation with inquisitive young learners will surely want to find a place for A Home for Amare on their bookshelves.
